DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
For Seniors By Seniors
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 1
7/23/09 4:49:34 PM
The Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross
developed this information.
Dear Friends,
We are a group of older adults who experienced a
two-week power outage when a massive ice storm
hit the Greater Rochester, New York, area. We were
unprepared for such a disaster. If we had only taken
a few simple steps to prepare ourselves for such
an event, we could have eliminated many of the
hardships we had to endure.
We are just like many of you. Some of us are in good
health but aren’t quite as agile as we used to be. Some
of us have hearing or vision problems; others use a
cane or wheelchair. Whatever our limitations, we
still need to be prepared. We can be prepared!
To avoid getting caught unprepared, we urge you to
immediately review the enclosed information and
fill in the appropriate local emergency numbers. Be
sure to keep this helpful booklet in a handy place for
quick reference.
Sincerely,
Vi
Melvin Q.
Julia L. Nancy C. 35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 2
Marion V. Jam Dorothy M.
Janet H.
Fran
Roger H.
Mary S.
LaVinia
7/23/09 4:49:34 PM
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
For Seniors By Seniors
Take responsibility to protect your life!
Prepare NOW for a sudden emergency.
Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without
warning and can force you to evacuate your neighborhood
or be confined to your home. What would you do if your
basic services—water, gas, electricity or communications—
were cut off?
Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by
planning ahead. Even if you have physical limitations, you can
still protect and prepare yourself.
Local officials and relief workers may not be able to reach
everyone right away. You can deal with disaster better by
preparing in advance and by working with those in your
support network: your family, neighbors and friends as a team.
Knowing what to do is your responsibility. This booklet is a
guide to being more prepared.
n The Three Steps to Preparedness
1. Get a Kit
2. Make a Plan
3. Be Informed
n When Disaster Strikes
n Emergency Contact Page
The
ThreePreparedness
Steps to Preparedness
Disaster
for Seniors by Seniors
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 1
1
7/23/09 4:49:35 PM
n The Three Steps to Preparedness
1.
Get a Kit
Disasters can happen at any moment. By planning ahead you
can avoid waiting in long lines for critical supplies, such as
food, water and medicine and you will also have essential items
if you need to evacuate.
• For your safety and comfort, have a disaster supplies kit
packed and ready in one place before a disaster hits.
• Assemble enough supplies to last for at least three days.
• Store your supplies in one or more easy-to-carry containers,
such as a backpack or duffel bag.
• You may want to consider storing supplies in a container
that has wheels.
• Be sure your bag has an ID tag.
• Label any equipment, such as wheelchairs, canes or walkers,
that you would need with your name, address and phone
numbers.
• Keeping your kit up-to-date is also important. Review the
contents at least every six months or as your needs change.
Check expiration dates and shift your stored supplies into
everyday use before they expire. Replace food, water and
batteries, and refresh medications and other perishable
items with “first in, first out” practices.
On the following pages are some suggestions for building your
disaster supplies kit. Include any additional items that you feel
might be useful for your particular needs.
2
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 2
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:49:35 PM
Basic Needs and Supplies (check off)
q Water — one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for
evacuation and 2-week supply for home) q Food — it is a good idea to include foods that do not need
cooking (canned, dried, etc.) (3-day supply for evacuation
and 2-week supply for home)
q Flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs (do not use candles)
q Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
q First aid kit and manual
q Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
q Multi-purpose tool (several tools that fold up into a pocketsized unit)
q Sanitation and personal hygiene items (toilet paper, plastic
garbage bags)
q Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent
medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates,
insurance policies)
q Cell phone with an extra battery and charger (s)
q Family and friends’ emergency contact information
q Cash and coins (ATMs may not be accessible)
q Emergency blanket
q Map(s) of the local area
q Whistle (to attract the attention of emergency personnel)
q One change of clothing
q Manual can opener
q Pet supplies (including food and vaccination records)
q Extra set of keys (car, house, etc.)
q Pack of cards to provide entertainment and pass the time
The Three Steps to Preparedness
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 3
3
7/23/09 4:49:35 PM
Cold Climate Supplies (check off)
It is possible that you will not have heat during or after a
disaster. Think about your clothing and bedding needs. Be sure
to include one set of the following for each person:
q Jacket or coat
q Long pants and long-sleeve shirt
q Sturdy shoes
q Hat, mittens and scarf
q Sleeping bag or warm blanket
Supplies for Your Vehicle (check off)
q Flashlight with extra batteries and extra bulbs
q Maps
q First aid kit and manual
q Tire repair kit
q Jumper cables
q Flares
q Bottled water
q Non-perishable foods such as granola bars
q Winter: Blanket, hat, mittens, shovel, sand, tire chains,
windshield scraper, florescent distress flag
q Summer: Sunscreen lotion SPF 15 or higher, shade item
(umbrella, wide-brimmed hat, etc.)
4
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 4
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:49:35 PM
Other Items You Might Need
q
q
q
q
q
q
q
q
q
The Three Steps to Preparedness
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 5
5
7/23/09 4:49:43 PM
n The Three Steps to Preparedness
2. Make a Plan
The next time a disaster strikes, you may not have much time to
act. Planning ahead reduces anxiety. Prepare now for a sudden
emergency and remember to review your plan regularly.
Meet With Your Family and Friends
Explain your concerns to your family and others in your support
network and work with them as a team to prepare. Arrange for
someone to check on you at the time of a disaster. Be sure to
include any caregivers in your meeting and planning efforts.
Assess yourself and your household. What personal abilities
and limitations may affect your response to a disaster? Think
about how you can resolve these or other questions and discuss
them with your family and friends. Details are important to
ensure your plan fits your needs. Then, practice the planned
actions to make sure everything “works.”
Family Communications Plan
• Carry family contact information in your wallet.
• C hoose an out-of-town contact person. After a disaster, it
is often easier to make a long-distance call than a local call
from a disaster area.
6
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 6
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:49:43 PM
Community Disaster Plans
Ask about the emergency plans and procedures that exist in
your community.
Know about your community’s response and evacuation plans
(e.g., hurricane, nuclear emergency, severe weather). If you
do not own a vehicle or drive, find out in advance what your
community’s plans are for evacuating those without private
transportation or make arrangements with a neighbor who
would drive you.
If you receive home care, speak with your case manager to see
what their plan is in times of emergency and how they can
assist with your plan.
Escape Routes and Meeting Places
q Plan the best and quickest escape routes out of your home and
evacuation routes out of your neighborhood.
q Decide on a meeting place outside your neighborhood in case
you cannot return home.
q If you or someone in your household uses a wheelchair,
make sure all escape routes from your home are wheelchair
accessible.
q Know the safe places within your home in case you need to
shelter during extreme weather events (e.g., tornado).
q Practice your escape drill every six months.
q Plan for transportation if you need to evacuate to a shelter.
The Three Steps to Preparedness
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 7
7
7/23/09 4:49:43 PM
n The Three Steps to Preparedness
(cont.) Numbers Near Your Phones
2.
Make
a PlanPhone
Post
Emergency
Post emergency numbers near all of your phones. Include the
numbers of those in your support network. Remember that
in some emergencies telephone lines might not be working.
Consider having alternative plans for contacting those in your
network.
Plan for Those With Disabilities
Keep support items like wheelchairs and walkers in a designated
place so they can be found quickly. This step is essential for
those who have home-health caregivers, particularly for those
who are bed bound.
Plan for Your Pets or Service Animals
Take your pets with you if you
evacuate. However, be aware that
pets (except service animals)
are not permitted in emergency
public shelters for health reasons.
Prepare a list of family, friends,
boarding facilities, veterinarians
and ‘pet-friendly’ hotels that
could shelter your pets in an
emergency.
8
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 8
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:49:44 PM
n The Three Steps to Preparedness
Utilities
Talk to your utility company about emergency procedures and
know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity at
the main switches or valves. Share this information with your
family. Keep any tools you will need nearby. Turn off the utilities
only if you suspect the lines are damaged, you suspect a leak
or if local officials instruct you to do so. (Note: If gas is turned
off for any reason, only a qualified professional can turn it back
on. It could take several weeks for a professional to respond.
Heating and cooking would need alternative sources.)
Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Test your smoke alarms and carbon
monoxide alarms regularly. Consider
strobe or vibrating alert systems that
might meet your needs. Change the
batteries in all alarms at least once a
year or according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Insurance Coverage
Talk with your insurance agent to be sure that you have
adequate insurance coverage. Homeowners insurance does
not cover flood damage and may not provide full coverage for
other hazards.
The Three Steps to Preparedness
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 9
9
7/23/09 4:49:45 PM
n The Three Steps to Preparedness
Vital Records and Documents
Keep copies of vital family records and other important
documents such as birth and marriage certificates, social
security cards, passports, wills, deeds, and financial, insurance
and immunizations records in a safe location, like a fire safe or
safe-deposit box.
Hearing Aids/Cochlear Implants
If you wear hearing aids or assistive devices, consider storing
them in a bedside container that is attached to your nightstand
using Velcro. Some disasters (e.g., earthquakes) may shift items
that are not secured, making them difficult to find quickly.
10
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 10
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:49:54 PM
n The Three Steps to Preparedness
Maintain Your Kit and Practice Your Plan
Every six months:
• Review your plan with all of your friends and family.
• Check your disaster supplies kit and refresh all expiring
items (e.g., food, water, medications and batteries).
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills on a regular
basis with your family. Make sure all your plans “work.”
At least once a year:
• Change the batteries in all essential devices at the same
time each year. (e.g., smoke alarms).
The Three Steps to Preparedness
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 11
11
7/23/09 4:49:57 PM
n The Three Steps to Preparedness
3. Be Informed
Community Hazard Assessment
What hazards threaten your community and neighborhood?
Make a list of how they might affect you. Think about
both natural (e.g., hurricanes, flooding, winter storms and
earthquakes) and human-caused (e.g., hazardous materials
and transportation accidents) and about your risk from those
hazards.
Which of these hazards are most likely to happen in your
community?
qEarthquakes qHurricanes qWinter Storms qTornadoes qThunderstorms
q Flooding
q Toxic Spills
q Home Fires
q Wildfires
Preparing for a hazard that is most likely to happen in your
area will help you be prepared for any disaster. Remember,
disasters can happen at any time.
• Do you live alone?
• Do you drive or own a car?
• How good is your sense of smell?
• Do you have any physical, medical, thinking
or learning limitations?
• Has your sense of hearing or vision decreased?
• Are you reliant upon any medical equipment?
• Are you reliant upon a caregiver?
12
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 12
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:49:58 PM
n The Three Steps to Preparedness
Community Warning Systems
How will you be notified of a possible emergency?
Know how local authorities will warn you of a pending
or current disaster situation and how they will provide
information to you before, during and after a disaster.
Friends, Family Caregivers and Neighbors
Before a disaster happens it is a good idea to have a conversation
with those in your support network: your friends, family
and neighbors. Let them know your needs in an emergency
situation; ask them how they could assist with your plan and
whether they would be willing to help. Consider that during
some emergencies travel is severely limited and they may not
be able to get to you.
Local Neighborhood Emergency Teams
Connect with a group in your local neighborhood. Some of
these could include CERT (Community Emergency Response
Team), neighborhood watch, community block associations,
faith-based organizations, etc. Even if you feel you cannot
become a member, let them know your needs and ask them
how they could assist with your disaster plan. If available, take
advantage of advance registration systems in your area for
those who need help during community emergencies.
The Three Steps to Preparedness
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 13
13
7/23/09 4:49:58 PM
n The Three Steps to Preparedness
Local Volunteer Fire Departments
Connect with your local volunteer fire department or
ambulance and let them know your needs (especially if you
live in a rural area). Discuss with them how they might be able
to assist in your disaster plan.
Local EAS (Emergency Alert System)
Certain television and radio stations will broadcast emergency
messages from local authorities. Find out which stations
broadcast on the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
NOAA Weather Radio/All-Hazard Alert Radio
These special radios provide one of the
earliest warnings of weather and other
emergencies, and can be programmed to
alert you to hazards in your specific area.
Call your local National Weather Service
office or visit www.nws.noaa.gov for more
information.
Door-to-Door Warning
From Local Emergency Officials
In some emergencies local responders may come door-to-door
and deliver emergency messages or warnings. Listen carefully
and follow their instructions!
14
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 14
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:49:59 PM
n The Three Steps to Preparedness
Senior Living and Assisted Living Communities
If you live in a senior community become familiar with any
disaster notification plans that may already exist. Talk to your
community management or resident council about how you
can all be more prepared together.
Be Aware—Help Inform Others
There may be people in your community that need extra
assistance when a disaster occurs. Consider how you can
assist them in their preparedness planning and during an
emergency.
The Three Steps to Preparedness
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 15
15
7/23/09 4:50:00 PM
n When Disaster Strikes
Sheltering In Place vs. Staying at Home
In some emergencies such as a chemical emergency, you would
need to know how to seal a room for safety on a temporary
basis, called “shelter in place.” In the case of a winter storm,
you may be told to “stay at home.” This means stay where you
are and make yourself as safe as possible until the emergency
passes or you are told to evacuate. In this situation it is safer
to remain indoors than to go outside. Stay in your home and
listen to instructions from emergency personnel. Listen to your
television or radio for emergency messages. Be prepared to be
on your own and have additional food and water for seven to
fourteen days.
If You Need to Evacuate
Coordinate with your family and home care provider for
evacuation procedures.
• Try to carpool,
if possible.
• Wear appropriate clothing
and sturdy shoes.
• Take your disaster supplies
kit – “go bag.”
• Lock your home.
• Use the travel routes specified or special assistance provided
by local officials. Don’t take any short cuts, they may be
unsafe.
16
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 16
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:50:02 PM
n When Disaster Strikes
• When you arrive at a shelter, notify the shelter management
of any needs you may have. They will do their best to
accommodate you and make you comfortable.
• Let your out-of-town contact know when you left and
where you are going.
• Make arrangements for your pets. Take them with you if
you leave.
Public Shelters
Relief organizations, like the American Red Cross, may open
shelters if a disaster affects a large number of people or the
emergency is expected to last several days.
Be prepared to go to a shelter if—
•
•
•
•
Your area is without electrical power.
Floodwater is rising.
Your home has been severely damaged.
Police or other local officials tell you to evacuate.
The Three
StepsStrikes
to Preparedness
When
Disaster
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 17
17
7/23/09 4:50:03 PM
n When Disaster Strikes
Services Provided at a Red Cross Shelter
• Food
• Temporary shelter
• Basic first aid
All American Red
Cross emergency
services are provided
free of charge.
To learn about Red
Cross shelters that have been opened in your area, listen to
your local media, check with your local American Red Cross
chapter or visit www.redcross.org.
Immediately After a Disaster
• If the emergency occurs while you are at home, check
for damage using a flashlight. DO NOT light matches
or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fires,
chemical spills and gas leaks.
• Shut off any damaged utilities.
• Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly
or have disabilities.
• Call your out-of-town contacts and let them know you are
okay.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Do not drive through flooded roads.
• Monitor local broadcasts for information about where you
can get disaster relief assistance.
18
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 18
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:50:06 PM
n When Disaster Strikes
If Electrical Power Is Lost
• Use a flashlight or battery-operated lantern.
Do not use candles.
• Turn off or unplug all major appliances (e.g., stove,
refrigerator, dryer). They could be damaged by the
electrical surge when the power is restored.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as
possible.
• Use portable generators cautiously. Make sure they are
operated only out-of-doors in a well-ventilated area.
Refuel a generator only after it has cooled. Do not connect
a generator to your home’s electrical system except though
an approved transfer switch installed in compliance with
the local electrical code.
Financial Exploitation/Scams
Unfortunately, after a disaster there may be some people who
will try to take advantage of your vulnerability. Beware of
high-pressure sales, disclosing personal financial information
(account numbers and credit card information) and services
provided with no written contract. For information on scams,
go to www.ftc.gov.
The
StepsStrikes
to Preparedness
WhenThree
Disaster
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 19
19
7/23/09 4:50:06 PM
n When Disaster Strikes
Before a Fire
Plan two escape routes out of each room. Choose a place to meet
outside after escaping from a fire. Practice your fire escape with
everyone in your home every six months.
Plan to use the stairs during a fire evacuation, even in buildings
with elevators. If you cannot use stairways, make special
arrangements for help in advance.
Sleep with the bedroom door closed. Install smoke alarms inside
and outside sleeping areas to give you warning of toxic fumes.
Test your smoke alarm every month. Change batteries on the
same day each year. Vacuum it occasionally to remove dust.
Replace smoke alarms every ten years—they lose sensitivity
over time.
In Case of Fire
• Remain calm. Drop
to the floor and crawl.
Most fire fatalities are
due to breathing toxic
fumes and smoke. The
cleanest air is near the floor. Breathing toxic fumes and
smoke is more dangerous than the risk of injury in getting
to the floor quickly.
• Feel any door before you open it. If it is hot, find another
way out.
• If your smoke alarm sounds, never waste time to get
dressed or collect valuables or pets. Get out of your home
immediately.
20
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 20
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:50:07 PM
n When Disaster Strikes
• Do not try to fight the fire! Call for help from a neighbor’s
phone.
• Never go back into a burning building for any reason.
Get out and stay out!
• If your clothes catch on fire, drop to the floor and roll to
suffocate the fire. Keep rolling (running from the fire only
“fans” the flames and makes it worse).
• If you are in a wheelchair or cannot get out of your home,
stay by the window near the floor and signal for help.
Grandparents and Grandchildren
Many children visit their grandparents often; they may even
live with you. The following safety advice for children can
help grandparents prepare a safe environment at home for
children:
• Store matches and lighters up high in locked cabinets,
away from children.
• Install plastic covers over all exposed electrical outlets.
• Move cleaning chemicals like cleansers, soap, drain cleaner
and other poisons to high cupboards OR install a childproof lock if you must keep these items in low cabinets.
• Store prescription medicines and overthe-counter drugs like aspirin, cough
medicines and stomachache remedies in
a cabinet out of reach of children.
• If children are playing outside or in a
pool when skies grow dark or you hear
thunder, have them come indoors right away.
When
The Three
Disaster
StepsStrikes
to Preparedness
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 21
21
7/23/09 4:50:09 PM
n When Disaster Strikes
Children Can Help Grandparents, Too
Have children test each smoke
alarm in your home to make sure
it is working by using a broom
handle to push the test button.
Ask children to draw a floor plan
of your home and show two ways
out of every room in case of fire.
Ask your grandchildren to help you assemble your disaster
supplies kit and get them to assemble one for their family at
the same time.
Home Caregivers—Special Considerations
Prepare a disaster supplies kit for any family member who
cannot do so on their own. If this person receives home care,
speak with the case manager to see what the agency’s role would
be in case of emergency at home or if evacuation is indicated.
Develop home fire escape and evacuation plans
and practice them every month in case of fire
and other disasters particular to your area.
Enlist the assistance of other family members
if possible.
Find out what provisions are available in your area in case
evacuation is needed, especially if your family member requires
an uninterrupted power source for survival.
22
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 22
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:50:12 PM
n When Disaster Strikes
Know that you may be directed to a hospital or a medical or
functional support shelter and you may need to continue caring
for that person during the emergency situation.
Be sure to make your back-up assistants and family members
aware of all emergency plans.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Disasters often cause emotional distress. Being prepared will
lessen your anxiety. When an emergency occurs, know that
you may experience some emotional, physical, mental and
spiritual reactions.
Some typical physical reactions:
• Stomachaches
• Difficulty sleeping/fatigue
• Headaches
• Appetite disturbances
• A worsening of chronic medical conditions like
arthritis, diabetes or high-blood pressure
Some typical emotional reactions:
• Sadness
• Depression
• Excessive anxiety
• Irritability and anger
• Emotional numbness
Some typical mental reactions:
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Memory problems
• Lack of focus and concentration
• Difficulty making decisions
The Three
StepsStrikes
to Preparedness
When
Disaster
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 23
23
7/23/09 4:50:12 PM
n When Disaster Strikes
Some typical spiritual reactions:
• Anger with God
• Questioning one’s spiritual beliefs
• An increase in prayer
• A need to find spiritual reasons for the disaster
• A need to be comforted by spiritual leaders
When a disaster occurs, it can remind you of previous events in
your life. Remember what you did then to help you get through
it and see if it works now.
Sometimes this new disaster seems like the final straw! If you
find memories bring up old grief, sadness, fear and anger, it
can be distressing. Try to separate your reactions to previous
events from what is happening now. Remember that you were
able to cope last time and remind yourself you can cope now.
Everyone Is Affected by Disaster—Not Just Seniors
Emotional and other kinds of responses
are expected. That’s okay. In a disaster,
many people have problems taking care
of routine tasks. Be encouraged by a
positive attitude, remind yourself of your
strengths, and tasks can be more easily
done.
Support is most important. And getting
help is important. Ask for what you need.
24
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 24
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:50:14 PM
n When Disaster Strikes
If there are family or friends nearby, let them support you.
Let the Red Cross or other agencies assist you. Don’t worry
about not appearing independent. Everyone needs help when
disaster strikes.
Preparation Makes a Difference
When you’re upset or confused, already having your disaster
plan in place will allow you to do what needs to be done to
take care of yourself. It’s much easier to remain calm when you
know what to do. Use this booklet to help you prepare.
Summary and Reminders
Take responsibility by planning now.
Listen for information on the radio and TV about hazardous
weather and other events, and heed the advice of local officials.
Leave right away if told to do so.
In some communities, people who need help or transportation
during an evacuation are asked to register that need with their
local government.
Call your local emergency management office for information
about what to do during an evacuation. It is important to have
alternative plans in case circumstances change.
Gather essential supplies, and be sure to keep a list of medications and their dosage, a copy of your eyeglass prescription
and other important papers to take with you if you have to
leave your home.
The Three
StepsStrikes
to Preparedness
When
Disaster
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 25
25
7/23/09 4:50:14 PM
n Useful Web Sites
American Red Cross www.redcross.org
Department of Homeland Security www.ready.gov
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
www.noaa.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov
Homeland Security Management Institute
www.monroecc.edu/depts/hsmi
AARP www.aarp.org
For more information, please contact your local emergency
management office, American Red Cross chapter or www.
redcross.org.
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led
by volunteers, guided by its Congressional Charter and
the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross
Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help
people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
Acknowledgements
The Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross
and the Homeland Security Management Institute at Monroe
Community College developed this material in cooperation
with the following organizations:
Congressman Tom Reynolds
Monroe County Office of Emergency Preparedness
Monroe County Community Home Health Agency
Monroe County Office for the Aging
Visiting Nurse Service for Rochester, N.Y.
Lifespan of Greater Rochester, N.Y.
26
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 26
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
7/23/09 4:50:15 PM
n Other Local Information and Web Sites
The Three Steps
to Preparedness
Emergency
Contact
Page
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 27
27
7/23/09 4:50:15 PM
n A
dditional Specific Information You
Might Need
28
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 28
Emergency Contact Page
7/23/09 4:50:15 PM
n Important Numbers
Police:
Fire department:
Ambulance agency:
Family doctor:
Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222
For more information, visit: www.redcross.org
n Emergency Contact Information
Name:
Home address:
Family members’ contact information:
Out-of-town contact information:
Family meeting place outside the neighborhood:
Emergency Contact Page
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 29
7/23/09 4:50:15 PM
658621
35704.DISAS.PREP.SEN32P.indd 30
7/23/09 4:50:15 PM